Aaaaand I found that she had pooped in her corner when I got home today. Thanks for making your mom worry, Scooter!

I may occasionally pop back here to ask questions as they come up - it sounds like it's easier to keep things on one thread, even if the topic is different. Thanks to everyone for all the advice and encouragement!

You are most welcome, muffin_song. I think it's On Topic enough since it's mostly about Scooter.

So Scooter's weight has held pretty steady, even with the reduced feeding (down to three insects 3 times a week). Lately she's been getting dubias, horn worms, or meal worms (since the meal worms are so small, I've been counting two as one). When I handle her I try to let her run around on the bed so she can get some activity.

Should I be concerned that she's not losing weight, or is it enough that I'm monitoring it and giving her less food?

Here's a recent pic. Off topic, but I love how the spot by her tail looks like a heart

They don't lose weight fast unless there is a parasite issue. So, just keep monitoring it and you're doing fine! For an adult leo, 3 bugs three times a week is about right. Too much and they get fat and develop associated problems.

Such a cute little chunky thing! I love the spot by her tail, it does look like a heart. Mealworms are actually quite high in fat content, I didn't realize it until I saw the breakdown on the container I have and said some foul words

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." ~ Winston Churchill

“I’m being extremely clever up here and there’s no one to stand around looking impressed! What’s the point in having you all?”-The 11th Doctor.

So Scooter's weight has held pretty steady, even with the reduced feeding (down to three insects 3 times a week). Lately she's been getting dubias, horn worms, or meal worms (since the meal worms are so small, I've been counting two as one). When I handle her I try to let her run around on the bed so she can get some activity.

Should I be concerned that she's not losing weight, or is it enough that I'm monitoring it and giving her less food?

Here's a recent pic. Off topic, but I love how the spot by her tail looks like a heart

Such a cute little chunky thing! I love the spot by her tail, it does look like a heart. Mealworms are actually quite high in fat content, I didn't realize it until I saw the breakdown on the container I have and said some foul words

You know, I had always heard that, but somehow in my mind I still had this idea of, "Meal worms are so small!" I'll start counting individual mealworms as one of her insects.

Maybe I should give crickets a try again. In the past she's never liked them, and they drive me crazy (frequently dying in the cage, chirping, smelly, and they always end up escaping into my bathroom!) But it might be worth a shot.

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Freer

What about reducing the bugs to 2 per feeding 3x per week and increasing her exercise?

That may be worth a try - I worry about decreasing her food intake too quickly, though.

As for the exercise, I've been picking her up and letting her run around my bed 2-3 times a week. Yesterday this nearly led to her escaping UNDER the bed Thankfully I was able to scoop her up before she got too far! It's a fun activity for me, although I'm trying to make sure she doesn't get too stressed.

Who knows what I would do if I ever got a dog...I'm already enough of a helicopter parent with my 8-inch lizard!

Most of the attention on insects as a food source focuses on protein
content. However, lipids are also a main component of insects and are
produced during protein isolation (Yi et al., 2013). Lipids are a source
of energy and of essential fatty acids (FA), therefore they could be
used to combat malnutrition in developing countries (Smit, Muskiet, &
Boersma, 2004). In populations with inadequate total energy intake,
such as seen in many developing regions, dietary fats are important
macronutrients that contribute to increase energy intake to more
appropriate levels (FAO, 2010). Insect lipids can contribute to human nutrition
by supplying energy and essential fatty acids (Ramos-Elorduy,
200. Generally, the lipid content of insects ranges from less than 10%
to more than 30% on a fresh weight basis and are relatively high in
the unsaturated C18 FA, including oleic acid (18:1 cis9), linoleic acid
(18:2 cis9,12) and linolenic acid (18:3cis9,12,15) (DeFoliart, 1991).

Remember how it was mentioned that dubia roaches where lacking some fatty acids? Basically one insect can offer what another cannot regardless of what it is fed, hence why as you know variety is important.

Highlight the whole link, hit copy and just paste it in the browser, then enter. It should work.